31 11 506 Lowering/raising front axle support (universal lifter)

Special tools required:

WARNING: Danger of injury.
Failure to comply with the following instructions may result in the vehicle slipping off the lifting platform and critically injuring other persons.
When supporting components, make sure that:

the vehicle can no longer be raised or lowered
the vehicle does not lift off the locating plates on the vehicle hoist.

IMPORTANT: Before lowering/removing front axle support:
Observe SAFETY INFORMATION for raising the vehicle
In order to avoid damage to vehicle hoist, perform weight compensation on vehicle.
Load spring strut domes with sand bags.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove FRONT WHEELS .
If necessary, REMOVE UNDERBODY PROTECTION (diesel only ).
Remove complete exhaust system. See REMOVING COMPLETE EXHAUST SYSTEM (N16) or REMOVING COMPLETE EXHAUST SYSTEM (N14, N18) .
Remove lower BUMPER PANEL .
Partially remove FRONT LEFT AND RIGHT WHEEL ARCH COVERS .
If necessary, remove underbody panelling left and right. (R56, R58)
Only on left side at ride height sensor: Release PLUG CONNECTION AT SENSOR and move back cable.

IMPORTANT: If the steering shaft is separated from the steering box, this can result in damage to the steering column switch cluster when the steering wheel is turned.

Release screw (1).

Tightening torque 32 31 2AZ .

Detach lower section of steering shaft (2) from steering box and swing towards rear.

Installation note:

Fig 1: Detaching Lower Section Of Steering Shaft From Steering Box

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Clean thread to remove all remnants of screw locking adhesive.

Replace screw.

Disconnect plug connections (1) on steering box.

IMPORTANT: Make sure when lowering the front axle that the cables are not damaged.

Fig 2: Identifying Steering Box Plug Connections

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Disengage cable (1) of pulse sensor on left and right from holder on front axle support.

IMPORTANT: Make sure when lowering the front axle that the cable of the pulse sensor is not damaged.

Fig 3: Identifying Pulse Sensor Cable

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Release screws (1) and remove anti-roll bar link (2).

Tightening torque 22 11 6AZ .

Installation note:

First mount front axle support on engine support and then tighten down screws (1).

Fig 4: Identifying Stabilizer Link And Screws

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Release screws (1) on bumper holder on left.

Tightening torque 51 11 4AZ .

Fig 5: Identifying Screws

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Release screws (1) on bumper holder on right.

Tightening torque 51 11 4AZ .

IMPORTANT: Make sure when lowering the front axle that the cable is not damaged.

Unclip cable tie (2).

Cut open cable strap (3).

Installation note:

Replace cable strap.

Fig 6: Identifying Cable Strap, Cable Tie, And Screws

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Engage special tool 31 5 251 with a 2nd person helping completely on workshop jack 00 2 030 .

Insert special tools 31 5 255 in telescopic supports of a profile rail pair.

Insert special tools 31 5 253 in telescopic supports of other profile rail pair.

NOTE: In a profile rail pair, two profile rails are connected to one another by gearing.

Fig 7: Identifying Special Tools

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NOTE: The jacking points on the left side are shown.

Align special tools 31 5 255 and 31 5 253 to front axle support.

Support front axle support by operating workshop jack 00 2 030 .

IMPORTANT: The center of gravity of the front axle support must be positioned centrally over the workshop jack.

Fig 8: Identifying Special Tools And Workshop Jack

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Unfasten screws (1) to (3).

Installation note:

Check threads for damage; if necessary, repair with HELICOIL THREAD INSERTS .

Make sure screws are installed in correct positions.

Screws (1) M12x85
Tightening torque 31 11 1AZ .
Replace screws (2) M10x60.
Tightening torque 31 11 5AZ .
Screws (3) M12x62
Tightening torque 31 11 2AZ .

Fig 9: Identifying Screws
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Risk of damage.

When lowering the front axle support, it is absolutely essential to make sure that the control head (1) of the electric steering box (EPS) does not collide in area (2) with the bulkhead.

Collision with the bulkhead may result in damage to the electric steering box (EPS).

Fig 10: Identifying Control Head Of Electric Steering Gear (EPS)

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IMPORTANT: When lowering and raising, make sure there is freedom of movement between front axle support, transmission and A/C lines.

Lower front axle support max. to dimension (A) = 120 mm.

Fig 11: Identifying Maximum Lowering Dimension Of Lower Front Axle Support

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IMPORTANT: Gasket (1) of electric steering box (EPS) must always be replaced.

Fig 12: Identifying Gasket Of Electric Steering Box (EPS)

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